Approved Starship Ashblade-class Neurofighter

[AMCO]

Spoiler: Landing Mode

OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION

• Intent: A capable X-Wing analogue for the Open Market; mainstay multi-role starfighter.
• Image Source: Needle Nose Fighter, flight mode and initial concept by Eddie Del Dio.
• Canon Link: N/A
• Permissions: N/A
• Primary Source: Ashwing-class Type-S Superiority Drone | X-Wing

PRODUCTION INFORMATION

• Manufacturer: The Globex Corporation
• Affiliation: Globex Security Division
• Market Status: Open-Market
• Model: Ashblade-class Neurofighter
  • Colloquially the Needlenose.
• Production: Mass-Produced
• Material: Titanium-Hexalloy Hull, Hexalloy Canopy w/ Duranium Shutter.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Classification: Starfighter
• Length: 12.9 metres
• Width: 2.7 metres
• Height: 5 metres
• Armament: Average
  • [2] Ion Cannons [Forward-Fixed]
  • [1] Heavy Laser Cannon [Forward-Fixed]
  • [2] GCA-11 "Starhammer" Electromagnetic Plasma Cannons
    • OR Variable Torpedo Launchers (Proton, Proton+, Ion, Plasma, Brilliant Missiles, etc.)
  • [1] Underslung Blaster Cannon [Automated, Retractable; defaults to Stun for Antipersonnel Use]
• Defences: Average
  • Standard Deflector Shield
  • Standard Hull Plating
  • Chaff Launchers
  • Jammers
  • Shroud
• Squadron Count: Average | 12
• Manoeuvrability Rating: Average | Very Low (SLAM)
• Speed Rating: Average | Very High (SLAM)
• Hyperdrive: Jumpmaster 1.01 Microdrive

STANDARD FEATURES

• The Neurofighter is outfitted with all the features one would expect from a vessel of its size and purpose, including S-Foils.
  • Can be modified to include an Astromech socket, though the Jump Ring generally has the requisite navicomputer.
  • An integrated SLAM Drive facilitates short bursts of extreme acceleration at the expense of manoeuvrability.
  • Neurofighters modified for independent operations may carry two to four Eyebots for planetary scouting.

ADVANCED SYSTEMS

• The Neurofighter takes its name from the integrated Neurocrown (or an equivalent MMI [Wookie]) around which it is designed; unlike most starfighters, its canopy is typically covered by a duranium shutter to increase pilot survivability, under the assumption that the ship's sensors (tied directly into the pilot's mind or using a holographic interface) will compensate. It can be manually opened in an emergency, however.​
• A prominent "Jump Ring" resembles a hyperdrive docking ring more than a traditional integrated hyperdrive; this design allows the starfighter to quickly and safely disperse radiation, further enhancing its microjump capabilities at the expense of offering a tempting target to hostiles.​
• In order to further increase pilot survivability, the Neurofighter features an integrated Ejection Suite - a single-use Escape Shield is meant to protect the pilot from the destruction of their craft and the vacuum of space while a quartet of thin duranium shutters unroll from beneath the seat and enshroud them in a tiny escape pod of their own. Some models can freeze pilots in carbonite if prompt rescue is unlikely.
  • Globex generally recommends its DS-11 "Venture" Flight Suits to prospective buyers, crash-protection included.​

STRENGTHS

• Jack of All Trades: Whether in space or in atmosphere, the Neurofighter performs admirably in dogfights and attack runs alike.
• Mind to Machine: The Neurofighter is especially well-suited to make full use of Mind-Machine Interfaces, notably Neurocrowns.

WEAKNESSES

• Master of None: As an all-purpose starfighter, the Neurofighter is neither as agile as an interceptor nor as heavily armed as a bomber.
• Zero to Zero: Neurocrowns require specialised training even for experienced pilots; the untrained should use the manual controls.

DESCRIPTION

As it turns out, a starfighter corps formed in its entirety from lightly-armed drones has its downsides; after lengthy debate and much controversy, the Globex Board of Directors finally saw fit to go back on its hardline opposition to placing sentient pilots in harm's way, albeit with certain limitations, notably strict requirements as pertains to pilot survivability, resulting in an especially capable "Ejection Suite" and additional cockpit-armouring.​

Heavily inspired by the legendary X-Wings of yore (and the present, given the enduring popularity of the design), the Neurofighter is nonetheless very clearly its own craft, as made evident by its distinctly needle-nosed, seemingly windowless form, which may see it confused for the drones it was commissioned to supplement. Indeed, some of these have the pilot replaced with oversized data-brains or the equivalent, but this is quite rare.​

As is Globex's way, these may freely be manufactured by any who so desire in exchange for a rather reasonable per-fighter fee.

 

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